My 09 Tacoma build

[Rallyroo]

The rebate was $1500 for the doublecab and $1000 for standard and extended; that ended May 4th (the day I took delivery.) Starting May 5th, the DC dropped to $1000, and I'm unsure what happened to the rebate for the others.

In California, Toyota is divided into the NorCal and SoCal regions.

NorCal decreased the rebates:
All Tacomas: $1000 -> $750.

SoCal increased the rebates:
Reg and Access Cab : $1000 -> $1500
Double Cab: $1500 -> $2000

Hmmm...if I do buy one, you know which areas I'll be shopping.

 

[ksj]

+1 on the Icon CO's.

I have an '09 OR access cab with them. I also added the Icon rear reservoir shocks and a 1.5" leaf pack from Wheelers. I left the CO's as they came which gave me about a 2.5" lift up front. With the new tires (265/75-16) I ended up about 3" higher than stock and the truck sits pretty level now. The truck drives better than stock with this setup IMO.

I have a Snugtop Supersport that I'm really pleased with. It hasn't leaked at all and the dealer said it could take ~200lb's up there, but I have an AT Horizon so no need for a rack at this point.

Still have a bunch of chrome I need to get rid of, but the truck is pretty capable now. I just need a winch bumper up front and possibly something in back, but I haven't decided what yet.

This is pretty much where it sits now:

 

[deadbeat son]

Thanks for the tips on the shells guys. I like that the Snugtop and the Leer both have all glass back windows (no aluminum frame), but the ARE comes in at $250 less than the Leer and $350 less than the Snugtop. I've only looked at the ARE in person; I think I'll drive to the Leer/Snugtop dealer Saturday and see if I can find a reason to spend the extra cash.

Also thanks for the tips on the Icon COs. I picked up a set of 255 75 17 BFG MTs tonight, so I'll get those mounted up on the FJ Cruiser rims this weekend as well. Once those are mounted, I'll decide how much lift (if any) I need. I'd like to stay as close to stock height as possible.

I was also thinking about what Luni mentioned earlier:

The factory suspension just don't seem to support the weight of the vehicle in a way the really instills confidence on the trail. I don't want to come off an obstacle and bouce. I want tires to remain planted and vehicle weight to react predictably.

If the vehicle is bouncing off of obstacles, wouldn't that be an indication of too little damping as opposed to a soft spring rate? Let me know if I'm way off base here; if I'm right, it seems like improved shocks should cure that issue.

Thanks again for the warm welcome and all of the advice everyone; keep it coming!

:beer: :beer:

***EDIT*** One more question -- Are any of the common coilovers for the Tacoma truly height adjustable, or only via preload? Sorry for the noobish question.

 

[Streakerfreak]

Camburg 2.5's work well too (cheaper) Everyone seems to skip them for some reason that I have yet to find out. Been working very well for me, both off-pavement and on, plus no vibrations.

 

[salsataco]

When you upgrade those camburgs let me know.

 

[Streakerfreak]

When you upgrade those camburgs let me know.

I will most certainly keep the Camburg's, but might add a beefer spring from Camburg when it comes time to add a winch. No sense in messing with a good suspension set up too much.

 

[salsataco]

Forgot to add a little sarcasm note.

 

[Streakerfreak]

When you start looking into armor make sure you include Sliders and Skid Plates first. This is the armor that truly protects your truck. Banging up your rear/front bumper is not desired, but it generally won't ruin your day or prevent your truck from being mobile. Sliders and front skid plate have saved me thousands of dollars in costly repairs.

Too bad I don't have pics of the rather large dent in my skid plate. Had that not been there I would have been in serious trouble.

 

[deadbeat son]

When you start looking into armor make sure you include Sliders and Skid Plates first. This is the armor that truly protects your truck. Banging up your rear/front bumper is not desired, but it generally won't ruin your day or prevent your truck from being mobile. Sliders and front skid plate have saved me thousands of dollars in costly repairs.

Too bad I don't have pics of the rather large dent in my skid plate. Had that not been there I would have been in serious trouble.

Being equipped with the offroad package, it has a decent factory skid (at least it seems; I haven't had time to crawl under it and inspect thickness or other possible shortcomings.) As for the sliders, I've had my eye on a set of Slee Sliders from Slee Offroad. They're nice, and priced accordingly.

 

[Streakerfreak]

Being equipped with the offroad package, it has a decent factory skid (at least it seems; I haven't had time to crawl under it and inspect thickness or other shortcomings.) As for the sliders, I've had my eye on a set of Slee Sliders from Slee Offroad. They're nice, and priced accordingly.

Unfortuntly, it's not the best. If you have the available funds, a skid plate from All-Pro or Bud Built would be a worthy addition. They make the factory TRD one look like tin foil. The Slee Sliders are extremely nice, but pricey. You will like them if you get them, definitely go for them.

 

[deadbeat son]

Thanks again; like I said, I hadn't inspected it yet. I agree that while the bumper is obviously more showy, the sliders and the skidplates provide more vital protection. Those will most likely be the first armor upgrades I make. I need to get my Rover cleaned up and sell it quickly; budget budget budget!

 

[atavuss]

I bought a 09 TRD 4 door 4 door Taco a little over a month ago. I recently crawled under the truck for a look see and was shocked and dismayed at how Toyota laid out the exhaust........the exhaust hangs below the crossmember behind the transfer case, sure looks like it would easily get smashed off road. my 04 TRD 4 door 4 wheel drive Taco had the exhaust neatly tucked up and it never got touched on numerous off road trips.

 

[heeltoe989]

thread # 249

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8586&page=25

1/4 Aluminum, light and tough, no rust!

 

[climber-420]

Leer topper with Thule adjustable rack on top. Has windoor on one side and slider window on other side. Fold down glass by the cab. Absolutely love it.

 

[deadbeat son]

thread # 249

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8586&page=25

1/4 Aluminum, light and tough, no rust!

Amazing skid! Where did you have it fabbed? Somewhere in The Great White North I assume.